The holiday season is upon us! The weather may be cold and wet, but there are plenty of fun holiday activities to keep our bodies warm and our spirits bright. Look for holiday bazaars, photos with Santa, tree lightings and more in this fun list of holiday activities in Mount Vernon, Anacortes and throughout Skagit County.
22nd Annual Holiday Open House
November 1: 5:00 p.m-8:00 p.m.
Skagit Valley Gardens
18923 Peter Johnson Road, Mount Vernon
Kick of the holiday season the day after Halloween at the Holiday Open House at the Skagit Valley Gardens is a tradition for many families throughout Skagit County.
Ladies’ Night Out: Downtown Sip & Shop
November 8: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Mount Vernon
Head out with your girlfriends for a festive night of shopping in downtown Mount Vernon. Enjoy businesses open late with unique experiences waiting for you. There will also be the Washington Sips at local businesses and a pop-up wine shop from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Purchase tickets on the Eventbrite website.
Craft Bazaar
November 15-16: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
America Legion Post #43
701 Murdock Street, Sedro-Woolley
Shop for unique gifts for everyone on your list, including yourself! Proceeds go to the American Legion Post #43’s Christmas Baskets and programs. Lunch is served both days from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. If you would like a table, you can contact Carol Wenrick at 360-333-8213 or Michelle Thompson at 360-770-6656.
Pet Photos with Santa
November 17: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
S.P.O.T. House
830 South Spruce Street, Burlington
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to give you adorable holiday photos with your pets! Santa’s elves will be on hand as well, to help you get the perfect photo with Santa. Holiday treats will be served. Donations will go towards caring for the animals at S.P.O.T.
Anacortes Farmers Market Holiday Event
November 17-18: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
100 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes
Come in out of the weather and shop the Anacortes Farmers Market Holiday Event. It’s the perfect place to get your holiday produce, goods, hostess gifts and more! There will be door prizes each day.
Jingle Belles: A Ladies Night of Shopping
November 22: 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
La Conner
This fun event kicks of the holiday shopping season in La Conner! Select merchants will have extended hours so you and your friends can shop while enjoying refreshments. The La Conner Visitor Center should be your first stop – they will have your map for the evening as well as a refreshing Santa seltzer to get you in the festive spirit.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
November 24: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
George Baldridge Post 43
701 Murdock Street, Sedro-Woolley
Looking for somewhere to have a grand meal with your local Sedro-Wolley family? The Community Thanksgiving Dinner is the place to go. There will all the traditional foods, including turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, etc.
La Conner Turkey Trot
November 28: 8:00 a.m.
La Conner Middle School
305 N 6th Street, La Conner
A tradition for many in the area, the La Conner Turkey Trot happens every year on Thanksgiving – it’s a great way to burn some calories so you can enjoy a second helping of stuffing! The event is a 5k run/walk with a shorter course option for kids. Proceeds benefit the La Conner High School track and field program. Pre-register on the Skagit Valley Running website.
“The Nutcracker” Ballet
November 29: 7:00 p.m.
November 30: 2:00 p.m.
The Lincoln Theatre
712 S 1st Street, Mount Vernon
Fidalgo Dance Works is putting on their “The Nutcracker” performance right after Thanksgiving. This is family-friendly holiday event that everyone will enjoy. The production featured dancers in their ballet classes 1-6. Tickets are already on sale at the Fidalgo Dance Works website.
Children’s Shopping Extravaganza
TBA
Hillcrest Park Recreation Building
1717 South 13th Street, Mount Vernon
There is nothing like letting a child pick their own presents to give to love ones! We all know it’s the thought that counts and this special event has plenty of gift items for your child to choose from, all under $5! Check the City of Mount Vernon’s website for this year’s updated information when it becomes available.
Breakfast with Santa
December 1: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Anacortes Senior Center
1701 22nd St, Anacortes
Head to the Anacortes Senior Center for pancakes, sausage and photos with Santa! Tell him your wish list and make a memory the entire family will cherish. They will also have cookie decorating and holiday entertainment while you eat.
Community Tree Lighting with Santa
December 5
Gilkey Square
103 Morris Street, La Conner
Head to Gilkey Square on December 5 for the annual Community Tree Lighting in La Conner. Santa arrives in style on a vintage fire truck at 6:00 p.m. You want to miss this!
Children’s Shopping Extravaganza
December 7: 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Hillcrest Park Recreation Building
1717 South 13th Street, Mount Vernon
Children love to pick out their own presents with their own money and this event is tailored just for them, with all items $5 and under. You will find something for everyone in your family from parents and grandparents to sisters and brothers and all of your friends.
Breakfast With Santa
December 8: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Hillcrest Park Lodge
1717 South 13th Street, Mount Vernon
Head to the beautiful Hillcrest Lodge and enjoy a pancake breakfast with the man in red! Listen to holiday music and get your photos with Santa.
Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
La Conner
Swinomish Channel
The Holiday Lighted Boat Parade is a holiday tradition the entire family will love. Head to the boardwalk all along the channel to see the beautifully decorate boats as the lights reflect through the water, or for a special treat, reserve a spot at one of the waterfront restaurants. Viewing the boats in a warm restaurant while enjoying a great meal is a priceless memory.
Celebrate the Season & Family Holiday Fair
December 7-8
Port of Anacortes Transit Shed Events Center
100 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes
The Anacortes Schools Foundation has two events happening December 7-8 that the entire family will love. The Family Holiday Fair happens both days and includes a gingerbread house decorating contest, hosted by Fidalgo Island Rotary that is happening in the same space from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m on December 8 only.. The Fair is open 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. both days. Look for the Who-ville experience, which includes games, crafts and even visits by The Grinch! Photos with Santa, games, holiday treats and more will also be available. Celebrate the Season’s Celebrate Express Dinner is happening December 7 at 6:00 p.m. This festive dinner includes live holiday music performed by students and local talent. There will be an auction and Raise the Paddle to support the Anacortes Schools Foundation’s programs.
Breakfast with Santa
December 7: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Hillcrest Park Lodge
1717 South 13th Street, Mount Vernon
Enjoy hot pancakes and holiday music with Santa! Your child will get to visit with Santa and tell him their wish list, be sure to bring your camera to get a photo too.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Art Walk
December 7: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Anacortes Chamber of Commerce
819 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes
Kick of the holiday season with a tradition Christmas Tree lighting in Anacortes! There will be appearance by the town crier, Santa and local students who will be performing some holiday favorites. After the lighting, get your picture with Santa for free. Following the tree lighting, saunter through downtown for the Holiday Art Walk. Find gifts, enjoy a meal and savor the season with your friends and family.
Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
December 8: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Mount Vernon
The parade starts at 5:00 p.m. with the tree lighting to follow. When Santa’s float appears, follow it to the end of the parade where the tree will be lit up, officially welcoming the season!
Skagit Symphony: Christmastime is Here
December 13: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
McIntyre Hall Performing Arts & Conference Centers
2501 East College Way, Mount Vernon
Spend an evening with family friends listening to the great holiday classics from ages gone by. From composer Richard Wagner to Samuel Barber’s opera “Vanessa,” to holiday classics everyone knows, the Skagit Symphony: Christmastime is Here is a performance you won’t want to miss.
Christmas on the Docks
December 13-15
Cap Sante Marina, Anacortes
For something unique this holiday season, head to Christmas on the Docks in Anacortes. They will have their Decorated Boat Parade (weather permitting) at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, December 14. Bring your own decorated power boat, dinghy, rowboat, sailboat or paddleboard and join in! Decorated boats will be on display every night on “C” dock. Free moorage December 13-15 for participating decorated boats. This Free event is for all ages and open to the public. Come walk the docks decked in lights, enjoy hot beverages and vote for your favorite boat! Please bring an unwrapped gift for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots box or canned goods for the local food bank. For more information, contact Greg Mustari at 360-507-9999 or Kelly Libby at 425-359-7078
Bowman Bay Holiday
December 14: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Bowman Bay, Deception Pass State Park
Have a wonderful holiday celebration in the rustic coziness of Bowman Bay. They will have photo opportunities with Santa, caroling, and ornament making. Enjoy delicious treats and hot apple cider. They will also have a raffle. There is a $5 donation suggested per car. For more information visit the Deception Pass Park Foundation website.
Breakfast with Santa
December 14: 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Sedro-Woolley Community Center
703 Pacific Street, Sedro-Woolley
Take your child to talk to Santa! Kids get a free breakfast of pancakes, sausage, fruit and milk or juice. Hosted by the Beta Sigma Phi, this is a great event to get your photo with Santa…a friendly Grinch may also make an appearance!
Have an event you would like us to add? Email us at submit@Skagittalk.com.
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